Turkish Bogazici Shipyard has kicked off the construction of a series of four multipurpose (MPP) shortsea vessels for partners Handelskade and Amasus Shipping.

A major milestone in the construction of the vessel, known currently as the newbuilding project NB33 Eems Bison, was reached on March 18 with the keel laying at the Turkish shipyard.

Eems Bison, like the remaining vessels in the series, will be an open top diesel electric MPP shortsea cargo ship. It is engineered by Deck Maritime. The vessels, each with an overall length of 89.95 metres and 14 metres beam have been classed by LR.

Each vessel will have a single hold with a total capacity of around 5,000 cubic metres and will be capable of carrying windmill blades and constructions in open top condition, as well as containers, bulk cargo and breakbulk cargo.

The vessels are powered by a diesel-electric power system, according to the latest technical standards. Following the modular building principle, this configuration makes the ships ready for the use of future non fossil fuels.